Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

mahatmakanejeeves

(60,933 posts)
Thu Mar 7, 2024, 07:01 AM Mar 2024

On this day, March 7, 1970, people flocked to the Atlantic coast of the United States to view a total solar eclipse.

I hitchhiked to Virginia Beach to see it. I well recall the day. It ended on a sour note for me, but not for anything related to the eclipse.

Solar eclipse of March 7, 1970



Map

A total solar eclipse occurred on Saturday, March 7, 1970, visible across most of North America and Central America.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the image of the Sun for a viewer on Earth. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon's apparent diameter is larger than the Sun's, blocking all direct sunlight, turning day into darkness. Totality occurs in a narrow path across Earth's surface, with the partial solar eclipse visible over a surrounding region thousands of kilometres wide.

Totality was visible across southern Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico, the southeast Atlantic coast of the United States, northeast to the Maritimes of eastern Canada, and northern Miquelon-Langlade in the French overseas collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Greatest eclipse occurred over Mexico at 11:38 am CST, with totality lasting 3 minutes and 28 seconds. Totality over the U.S. lasted up to 3 minutes and 10 seconds. The media declared Perry as the first municipality in Florida to be in the eclipse direct path.

Inclement weather obstructed the viewing from that location and most of the eclipse path through the remainder of the southern states. There will not be an eclipse with a greater duration of totality over the contiguous U.S. until April 8, 2024, a period of 54 years.

Sat Mar 7, 2020: On this day, March 7, 1970, residents of the Atlantic coast were treated to a total solar eclipse.
12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
On this day, March 7, 1970, people flocked to the Atlantic coast of the United States to view a total solar eclipse. (Original Post) mahatmakanejeeves Mar 2024 OP
I remember that. 2naSalit Mar 2024 #1
"Ya flew your jet plane to Nova Scotia, 3Hotdogs Mar 2024 #2
That was a different eclipse. mahatmakanejeeves Mar 2024 #3
Aw sorry. Fuck me. 3Hotdogs Mar 2024 #5
Sheesh. They were only 52 and 54 years ago. It's not as if people walk around knowing that kind of stuff, unless mahatmakanejeeves Mar 2024 #6
I went to Wyoming to see the 8/17 eclipse. 3Hotdogs Mar 2024 #12
Sorry. I misposted. twodogsbarking Mar 2024 #9
I got a ride to Charleston, SC with a college friend who was going home for the weekend LastDemocratInSC Mar 2024 #4
Then you flew your Learjet up to Nova Scotia to see the total eclipse of the sun. twodogsbarking Mar 2024 #7
Over two years later mahatmakanejeeves Mar 2024 #8
Same sun though, eh. twodogsbarking Mar 2024 #10
True. NT mahatmakanejeeves Mar 2024 #11

mahatmakanejeeves

(60,933 posts)
6. Sheesh. They were only 52 and 54 years ago. It's not as if people walk around knowing that kind of stuff, unless
Thu Mar 7, 2024, 08:58 AM
Mar 2024

Last edited Fri Mar 8, 2024, 07:15 PM - Edit history (2)

they went to one and the other was just a wee bit too far to get to.

I wouldn't worry about it.

And good morning.

3Hotdogs

(13,394 posts)
12. I went to Wyoming to see the 8/17 eclipse.
Fri Mar 8, 2024, 04:00 PM
Mar 2024

There were hundreds of people lined up along the highway. Nothing but highway and fields. No houses, barns or anything. Just hundreds of cars and people partying.

I am not sure if I will chase the one next month.

LastDemocratInSC

(3,829 posts)
4. I got a ride to Charleston, SC with a college friend who was going home for the weekend
Thu Mar 7, 2024, 08:20 AM
Mar 2024

and stayed with my brother who lived in downtown Charleston. It was a perfect location for the eclipse. At the moment of totality all the animals started making noise, which is typical for an eclipse. The thing that surprised me was the number of roosters crowing; they seemed to be everywhere around us. I wouldn't have thought that so many people raised so many chickens right in the heart of the city.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»American History»On this day, March 7, 197...